Meaning of unction In English

• 0 the act of putting holy oil or water on someone in a religious ceremony, in order to make them holy or give them holy responsibilities :

  • They were waiting for the priest to administer the sacrament of unction (last rites).

  • Napoleon knelt to receive the triple unction from the Pope on head, arms, and hands.

• 1 an ointment (= a thick substance, usually containing medicine, used on the skin to help heal it or cure a condition):

  • Look in their bathroom and you will find enough creams, unctions, and lotions to restock a small chemist.

  • The whole family was infested, and so began the endless cycle of harsh chemicals, daily lotions, and overnight unctions.

• 2 a strong show of emotion, especially one that is not sincere:

  • The men sang this hymn with more unction than tune.

  • Naturally the prodigal's return is being celebrated with proper unction.